Q&A: How Do I Keep My Milk Supply Up?

I'm having a hard time pumping enough milk for my preemie. (She was born at 30 weeks, and will have to stay in the NICU for a while.) How can I keep my supply up to pump enough for her? I'd really like to give her the benefits of breast milk.

Make sure you are using the right size pump kit — it should be comfortable and your nipples should slide without rubbing against the parts. Pumping very often (every hour or so during the day when you are awake) for a few days can help increase your supply. If this doesn't work, try a different type or brand of pump. There are also medications that can be helpful. A breastfeeding medicine doctor (MD, IBCLC) can assess your situation and prescribe medicine to help.